[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4382-S4383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO COLONEL KEVIN P. BURNS

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Kevin P. Burns as he 
retires from a distinguished 52-year career in the U.S. Air Force as an 
Active-Duty pilot and later as a civil servant at Eglin Air Force Base 
in Florida.
  Kevin graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1975 and served 
honorably as an Active-Duty pilot until 2002. As a fighter pilot during 
the Cold War, he was deployed to Iceland where he intercepted and 
escorted Soviet bombers away from U.S. bases. He later served as a test 
pilot and flew more

[[Page S4383]]

than 65 different aircraft, including F-15s, F-16s, F-4s, and A-l0s as 
well as other developmental aircraft. His last flight was in a B-52 
Stratofortress out of Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana in June 
2022.
  Kevin retired from Active Duty in October 2002, after serving as the 
vice wing commander of the 46th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base. 
Following Active Duty, Kevin continued his service to our great country 
as a civilian, leading the development of policy, products, and 
standards for the Air Force's 53rd Test Management Group, the U.S. Air 
Force's largest operational test wing, at Eglin Air Force Base.
  Kevin's work over the decades has had an immeasurable impact on 
America's national security. His dedication to the mission and tireless 
efforts have contributed to the safety of all Americans.
  I extend my best wishes to Kevin and his family on his retirement and 
thank him for his service.

                          ____________________